Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: Can we bill separately for supplies in addition to the standard CPT codes when administering EMG tests? The physician must use new needles for each test, and the cost can add up.


Oklahoma Subscriber

Answer: CPT does include a miscellaneous supply code 99070 (Supplies and materials [except spectacles], provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered [list drugs, trays, supplies or materials provided]), and you can also find various supply codes in HCPCS - but chances are that you won't be able to bill extra for needles supplied during electromyography.

Medicare payers include the cost of needles in the standard reimbursement for EMG, and even the CPT descriptor for 99070 specifies for supplies and materials "over and above" those usually needed to provide the service. The needles necessary for EMG, in contrast, are a standard part of every EMG service.

For private payers, you may be able to specify separate payment for EMG needles as part of your contract, but if you negotiate a fair fee for the test itself, such a step shouldn't be necessary.